Contractors back DeMaio, lifeguards endorse Fletcher

A contractors organization endorsed mayoral candidate Carl DeMaio on Tuesday while rival Nathan Fletcher picked up the backing of city lifeguards.

DeMaio’s endorsement from the Engineering and General Contractors Association piggybacks on his “Save our Streets Plan.” That proposal would set up an “infrastructure lock box” that would collect a projected $335 million from future city revenue increases and set them aside for streets and other projects.

Kyle Nelson, the president of the association said his group believes DeMaio is the only candidate that can adequately fix roads in San Diego that are in disrepair.

“Carl will not only solve San Diego’s ongoing financial crisis, but he’ll rebuild the infrastructure that has fallen into extreme disrepair in recent years,” Nelson said.

Fletcher’s endorsement from the San Diego Association of Lifeguards was somewhat surprising given his support of an initiative that would replace guaranteed pensions with a 401(k)-style plan for most new city workers — including lifeguards.

Ed Harris, the lifeguard union leader, said the endorsement had more to do with the group’s belief Fletcher can promote a cooperative atmosphere at City Hall than with his support of a single ballot measure.

“The pension issue was a big hurdle for us in giving our support, but Nathan has clearly demonstrated his willingness to reach across the aisle and work with all groups as fairly as possible,” Harris said.

Fletcher announced his endorsement the same day he unveiled a plan to promote clean water and safe beaches.

The lifeguard’s association is the second major public safety union to endorse Fletcher. The San Diego Police Officers Association announced they were backing Fletcher in October despite having District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Democratic Rep. Bob Filner in the race.